A WEST Dorset hotel will be supporting children and young people this December by taking part in a Christmas countdown in aid of a cancer charity.

Fernhill Hotel in Charmouth will take part in the Deck the Halls Dorset Christmas Countdown, organised by CLIC Sargent.

The national children's charity is hoping to involve as many businesses, schools and clubs as possible as it raises awareness for children with cancer this Christmas.

The annual Fernhill craft fair will take place on Saturday, December 5 and includes a wide variety of stalls from talented local crafters, cake makers and artists. Money will be collected at the popular event for the children's charity.

Events manager at Fernhill Hotel. Grace Hancock, said: "As a GBTS gold award winner for green tourism, and sustainable tourism silver award winner, we are passionate about supporting the local community.

"Having the opportunity to support those among us in need through CLIC Sargent as well as our local crafters and businesses is fantastic. We hope our support can help to alleviate the strain on their young shoulders this Christmas.”

Last year CLIC Sargent supported 74 families across Dorset. For the majority of Dorset families, they must travel to Southampton General Hospital where treatment starts immediately, and often takes place regularly lasting as long as three years, many miles from home.

CLIC Sargent funds a 'home from home' in Southampton which provides free self catering accommodation to Dorset families, allowing all of the family to stay together and stay close to their child in hospital. With new cancer treatments, some Dorset families find themselves having to stay in Southampton for up to nine months at a time, some over the Christmas period.

When families return home to Dorset, CLIC Sargent has specialist nurses and social workers in the county who continue to support families throughout their child’s treatment.

CLIC Sargent fundraising manager, Joy Morley said: “We are absolutely thrilled that Fernhill Craft Fair has chosen to make this wonderful contribution through collecting at their craft fair to help support children and young people with cancer this Christmas.

"We really appreciate the hard work and generosity that has gone in to organising the event and hope that the local community will go along and show their support on December 5.”

If you would like to support CLIC Sargent this Christmas, please contact Joy on 01392 314 674, or for more information about the fair, and to get festive tips, please visit their Facebook page by searching for Fernhill Christmas Craft Fair.